Chapter 45

Chapter 45
Jason POV

I'm on my way to Mason's apartment.

Things were touched and go at one point. After I told Mason what my part was in everything he basically wrote me off. Mason didn't talk to me for four years. We only called last year to try to save our relationship.

I cannot believe that I let a woman come in between me and my brother. I should have known that family comes first.

After a year I had to give up on ever seeing Emily again.

I walk in without knocking. Mason and I started making a point of having breakfast together every morning.

Jesieka is already in the kitchen making breakfast. What's funny to me is that Mason is not yet in the kitchen pouring his coffee.

before I can ask where Mason is she comes laughing from the living room. There is m small laugh that accompanies his deep laugh.

I look questioningly at Jesiek but there is satisfaction on her face.

I haven't heard Mason laugh so exuberantly in a long time. I walk closer to initiate investigations.

I can't believe my eyes. Mason sits flat on his bottom in front of a little girl. I would recognize her anywhere. Madi and Mason sit together and draw pictures.

"Isn't it wonderful? Emily and Madi are back where they belong after five years. It's so nice to have joy in this house again." Jesieka stands next to me and whispers softly. Just like me, she doesn't want to break the moment between father and daughter.

"Let's go show mom what we drew" Mason stood up and picked Madi up. At that moment, Emily came in through the other door.

My heart misses a beat. Emily didn't change for a moment. She is still the woman who makes my heart beat faster. I honestly thought that after five years I was over her.

I'm watching their family right now. One can sense the love between Mason and Emily. My heart is breaking all over again.
How could I have been so naive to think that Emily would ever choose me over Mason?

I walk out without looking back. I don't believe Mason will miss me at the breakfast table this morning. He has his perfect family back.

Mason's POV

Spending time with Madi is heavenly. I missed her happy face in the house. I'm only now realizing how quiet the house really was without her.

Madi has been awake since early this morning. I assume she got lost because instead of knocking on Emily's door she knocked on mine. It was completely possible since Emily's room is next to hers and min is across.

Do not misunderstand me. I don't care at all. Especially not when I'm woken up by my little girl.

We went down softly to the living room. I didn't want to wake Emily. I decided to leave Emily so she could get some sleep. She did everything alone for five years, but now she has me. I want her to know that I will help her with anything concerning Madi.

I grabbed some papers and pens on my way to the living room.

I put the papers down on the table. Together we started drawing pictures for Emily. I was drawing a car. Not that it actually looks like a car.

My heart started to melt when I realized what Madi was drawing. It's fun for the three of us together as a family. We are standing in front of a big house. All the boys have big smiles on their faces. It was only stick figures, but a better picture than that, I have never seen. This will become a new masterpiece in my office.

I started asking Madi about the past five years. She was a little more open with me than Emily was. I realize that she is still small so I don't think she will remember that much.

Emily told me what happened, but Madi told me about how much Emily was working. She told me that Emily spent nights sitting at a table full of papers. She told me that she heard Emily in her room crying some nights. That were the nights that she promised that she would be a good girl. Sometimes I forget how observant a child can be. My heart breaks over and over again. Could Emily have been struggling with money? Why didn't she call me to help her out, even if it is financially?

I decided to get away from the subject. I don't want to spoil my time with Madi.

I start to tickle Madi hoping she will forget the subject. Her laughter drives the anger and sadness from my heart. It's great to be able to laugh.

Madi shows me her finished picture. I look at my watch. It's just after seven in the morning. Jason will probably be here any minute now. I decide but it's time to wake Emily up.

"Let's go show mommy what we drew." I pick Madi up with her picture in her hand.

I turn and start walking. Before I get to the door I see Emily is about to walk into the living room.

The smile she gave me was breathtaking. I'm not sure who she's smiling at, but I see it as a win.

Madi immediately held out her arms for Emily to take her.

"Look, mommy. Daddy and I drew you a picture." Emily looks at the picture and I can see the tears welling up in her eyes. The picture moves her as much as it does me. This is our first family portrait.

"It's beautiful my darling. Let's get you dressed and ready for the day." She mouthed a quick 'thank you' before she turned and walked away.

Now that Emily mentioned that, I only realize that I'm still in my boxers and a t-shirt.

I made a getaway to my room. I already cancelled all my meetings for the next week. My whole plan is just to spend some time with Madi and Emily. I need to get to know them all over again.